It Ticks The Family Freighter Boxes ... Except Frugality
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday April 23, 2004
The Territory might not be the biggest automobile to come out of Ford's Broadmeadows factory (it's shorter than a Falcon) but it's certainly one of the heaviest.
Every variant of Ford's "family car of the future", whether rear- or all-wheel-drive - weighs more than two tonnes, with some approaching a LandCruiser-like 2.2 tonnes unloaded.
Despite the Territory's weight, Ford insists it is not a 4WD but an all-wheel-drive (AWD), a subtle distinction to indicate its light-duty off-road capabilities.
Ford predicts 60 per cent of buyers will choose the AWD, which commands a premium of $4000 and uses a claimed 13.5litres/100km of fuel, which is thirstier than some V8s and a crucial component of its running costs. Even the rear-driver's fuel consumption is above that of most passenger cars, at a claimed 13.1L/100km.
At the test drive in New Zealand this week - if this is the car of the future "made for Australians by Australians", why did we have to cross the Tasman? - the Territory left a good first impression.
Inside, the Falcon's themes dominate the controls and layout, although the cabin has a more spacious feel and superior driving position to that of a Falcon.
On the move, it's relatively quiet - other than some roar from the tyres audible in the rear seat - and the refinement is on a par with the Falcon.
By 4WD standards, the Territory is easy to manage in city streets. Both variants ride higher than a regular station wagon to give the command driving position preferred by soft-roader buyers.
The 182kW 4.0-litre engine is shared with the Falcon and its power is used well for easy acceleration, while the four-speed automatic changes ratios with respectable smoothness, although I shudder to contemplate the fuel bill.
It's also prone to some disconcerting clunks through the suspension and is not about to get the pulses racing for those chasing some sports car excitement.
Still, that's not the Territory's brief. As a family freighter, it appears to have the right credentials. We'll reserve judgement until we test it locally.
The optional third row of seats ($1500) gives best-of-both-worlds flexibility between kid-carrying duties and load-lugging. Just don't try squeezing an adult in there. It's possible, but not kind.
The interior is also well supplied with storage binnacles, with everything from Land Rover-style cup-holders to good-sized door pockets and covered bins that can hold a wallet and a mobile phone.
Off-road, there's little doubt the Territory will perform the duties most expect of it. Despite a relatively low ground clearance of 178mm, it will clear decent-sized obstacles; with its traction control system, drive is diverted to the wheels that need it most.
© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald
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